Evolve

EVOLVE is a young person’s programme established in October 2015 and is delivered in partnership with AMH New Horizons Antrim and Youth Action.

The main aim of the programme is to bring together young people aged 18-25 to help enhance and develop their confidence, self-esteem and social interaction through fun activities and accredited training; OCN level 2 Teamwork Skills and OCN level 2 Employability.

Hannah Smyth tells us all about Evolve!

“Action Mental Health, New Horizons Antrim has been very beneficial to me in a number of ways:

As a young person suffering from social anxiety and depression it can be hard to make friends and socialise. New Horizons Antrim has helped me with this in different ways. I have met people who have had similar life experiences and have made new friends.

New Horizons offer a range of different courses which are very beneficial to people who are suffering with mental health problems such as personal success and wellbeing, stress management techniques, NVQ’s, and social cookery and many more.

I am a member of the Evolve group. This takes place on a Tuesday and a Friday. EVOLVE is a programme for young people aged 18-25 years we have completed OCN Level 2 Employability and OCN Level 2 Team Work Skills. It is not all about completing training we also go on trips out and do fun activities. We visited Coke-a Cola factory, had a day out at Belfast Christmas Market, cannoned on Lough Neigh and trips to the cinema.  EVOLVE has helped me greatly with meeting people and making new friends around the same age group as me. I would highly recommend attending EVOLVE to anyone between the ages of 18-25.

I am also involved in the CLAG (Client Local Advisory Group) I am a lead in the CLAG which means I attend meetings with the Client Development Co-ordinator so discuss ideas and suggestions to find ways to improve the service. I also attend regional meeting to be voice for clients in the Antrim service. The Regional Client Advisory Group have met with the CEO of AMH and the Chairperson of AMH to discuss the wider issues of service provision for people with mental ill health in Northern Ireland. staff.

Over all Antrim New Horizons is a great support to me. The staff are very understanding and show interest in all clients well-being”.

Hannah is a participant on the ESF Working it Out project.